3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies Recipe
3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies Recipe is a easy American recipe that serves 12. 125 calories per serving. Recipe by Chef Ryan on YouTube.
Prep: 13 min | Cook: 14 min | Total: 34 min
Cost: $0.75 total, $0.06 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 stick Unsalted Butter (softened to room temperature, about 113 g)
- 1/3 cup Granulated Sugar (packed lightly)
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (spooned and leveled)
Instructions
Combine Butter and Sugar
Place the softened butter and granulated sugar into a mixing bowl. Stir with a spatula until the mixture is uniform and slightly creamy.
Time: PT5M
Add Flour and Form Dough
Add the measured flour to the butter‑sugar mixture. Mix just until a soft dough comes together; it will be slightly crumbly at first but will hold when pressed.
Time: PT3M
Portion and Shape Cookies
Using a tablespoon or small ice‑cream scoop, roll the dough into 12 equal balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Time: PT3M
Press Cookies Flat
Press each dough ball gently with the bottom of a cup or glass until it is about ¼‑inch thick.
Time: PT2M
Bake
Bake in a pre‑heated oven at 350°F for 14 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown.
Time: PT14M
Temperature: 350°F
Cool and Serve
Remove the sheet from the oven, let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 125
- Protein
- 1 g
- Carbohydrates
- 15 g
- Fat
- 7 g
- Fiber
- 0.5 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine, vegetable shortening
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Coconut sugar, powdered sugar (reduce by half)
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Whole wheat flour (will be denser), Gluten‑free flour blend
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Cups
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper (optional)
- Cup or Small Glass for Pressing (optional)
- Oven
- Cooling Rack (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Mix butter and sugar until fully combined.
- Do not over‑mix after adding flour.
- Press cookies to an even thickness before baking.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For a subtle vanilla flavor, add ½ teaspoon of pure vanilla extract to the butter‑sugar mixture.
- Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking for a sweet‑salty contrast.
Troubleshooting
Cookies spread too thin and become crispy.
Chill the dough for 10‑15 minutes before shaping, and ensure the butter is only softened, not melted.
Cookies are pale and under‑cooked in the center.
Increase oven temperature to 375°F and bake an additional 2‑3 minutes, or make the cookies slightly thicker.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a zip‑top bag for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Keep in a sealed tin at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Freeze dough balls on a parchment‑lined tray; transfer to a zip‑top bag and bake from frozen, adding 2‑3 minutes to the bake time.
- Baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container for several days; re‑crisp them briefly under a low‑heat broiler if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of sugar cookies in American cuisine?
Sugar cookies have been a staple of American home baking since the 19th century, originally made with simple pantry ingredients like butter, sugar, and flour. They are traditionally associated with holidays such as Christmas and Thanksgiving, where families decorate them with icing and sprinkles.
What regional variations of sugar cookies exist within the United States?
In the Southern United States, sugar cookies are often flavored with lemon zest or almond extract, while in the Midwest they may be rolled thin and cut into decorative shapes. Some New England versions incorporate molasses for a deeper flavor.
How are three‑ingredient sugar cookies traditionally served in American households?
They are typically served plain or lightly dusted with powdered sugar alongside coffee or tea. During festive occasions they may be decorated with royal icing, sprinkles, or colored sugar.
What occasions or celebrations are three‑ingredient sugar cookies commonly made for in American culture?
These simple cookies are popular for quick family gatherings, school bake sales, and as a last‑minute treat for birthdays or holiday cookie swaps because they require minimal ingredients and time.
What makes three‑ingredient sugar cookies special compared to other American cookie recipes?
The simplicity of using only butter, sugar, and flour highlights the buttery flavor and makes the recipe accessible to beginners. It also allows for easy customization with add‑ins like vanilla, spices, or toppings.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making three‑ingredient sugar cookies?
Common errors include using melted butter (which creates a spread‑out cookie), over‑mixing the dough (resulting in a tough texture), and pressing the cookies too thin, which can cause them to burn quickly.
Why does this three‑ingredient sugar cookie recipe use a cup to press the dough instead of a cookie cutter?
Pressing with a cup creates a uniform, flat surface without cutting the dough, preserving the delicate crumb structure. It also speeds up preparation when only a simple shape is desired.
Can I make three‑ingredient sugar cookies ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, you can bake the cookies ahead and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or freeze them for up to two months. Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature before serving.
What does the YouTube channel Chef Ryan specialize in?
The YouTube channel Chef Ryan focuses on quick, approachable home‑cooking tutorials that emphasize minimal ingredient lists and straightforward techniques for everyday meals and desserts.
How does the YouTube channel Chef Ryan's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Chef Ryan prioritizes ultra‑simple recipes—often three to five ingredients—and provides clear, step‑by‑step visual cues, making comfort food accessible for beginners, whereas many other channels include more complex flavor layers or advanced techniques.
Last updated: August 29, 2026
